The controversial, biannual Day Light Savings Time has graced us with its presence once again. With it brought colder weather, darkness descending upon us at 5:30 instead of 9, and ABC's "Live" version of The Little Mermaid.
Anyone who has had a mere 5-minute conversation with me knows how much I love anything Disney! So, I sat down to write out this special edition post for Health Like Me — ironically handwritten with a mermaid pen at first — I bring forth to you:
Anyone who has had a mere 5-minute conversation with me knows how much I love anything Disney! So, I sat down to write out this special edition post for Health Like Me — ironically handwritten with a mermaid pen at first — I bring forth to you:
Health Like Me's Review of ABC's The Little Mermaid Live!
First off, let me tell you about how this particular post ties into my healthy lifestyle theme for Health Like Me.
One – yoga pants were worn comfortably during this broadcast, and
Two – wine was drunk deliciously during this broadcast.
I'm not reaching! Lol. Go back and read some past blog posts and, in particular, here in The Health Blanc section to see what I mean.
Now, without further ado, my insight:
One – yoga pants were worn comfortably during this broadcast, and
Two – wine was drunk deliciously during this broadcast.
I'm not reaching! Lol. Go back and read some past blog posts and, in particular, here in The Health Blanc section to see what I mean.
Now, without further ado, my insight:
You Read "Live!" Wrong
Don't worry, I did, too. It was about as live as this years' The Lion King. Don't even get me started with that one.
*insert eye roll*
That being said, all of the musical numbers we all know and love were performed Broadway-style while the actual 1989 animated version was played on a big movie screen. Okay... 35% on live stage with live audience, 65% the movie that holds a special place in every little girls' heart who grew up in the 80's and early 90's.
Also, totally wasn't live. Some of the show's elements were, in fact, pre-taped.
*insert eye roll*
That being said, all of the musical numbers we all know and love were performed Broadway-style while the actual 1989 animated version was played on a big movie screen. Okay... 35% on live stage with live audience, 65% the movie that holds a special place in every little girls' heart who grew up in the 80's and early 90's.
Also, totally wasn't live. Some of the show's elements were, in fact, pre-taped.
Casting
No King Triton, no Scuttle, and a puppet Flounder that hilariously enough floundered. Sad. And while the voice talents of Auli'i Cravalho and Graham Phillips were solid, their acting was a wet rag. The silver lining was Queen Latifa (duh) as Ursula and John Stamos as Chef Louis.
Casting grade? Health Like Me gives it a C+
Casting grade? Health Like Me gives it a C+
The INHARMONIOUS Jerky, Floppy Pauses
It was not smooth sailing. Just like Prince Eric's doomed ship in the beginning of the movie. Obviously, "Live" productions need transition times. I have seen enough plays to know that. But, a commercial break in between each musical number wasn't the way to do this. It makes the at-home watcher become distracted. But, don't listen to me on this matter because if you asked me for a better idea, I'd come up with zilch! |
Overall?
Just like Rocky Horror, Grease, and RENT!, I was left sorely disappointed in this Live broadcast. I have high expectations with my Disney movies/musicals. I'm not sure when they will get these right. For right now, though, I'd say stick to the full-length feature films Hollywood currently loves to remake for these types of productions. Unless you're The Lion King. We all could have done without that remake, yes?
At least this dismal affair was viewed in the way I express some of the themes exemplified by Health Like Me, by relaxing and treating myself to wine, yoga pants and a classic Disney movie!
Even if it wasn't all that great.
Now, that's Health Like ME!
Even if it wasn't all that great.
Now, that's Health Like ME!